Personnel(ly) Speaking
Personnel Management Systems, Inc.
Going Green in the Workplace
“Going Green” - This seems to be the new mantra. As HR people, we have tried to give some thought to what Going Green means from a Human Resources perspective. In other words, what are some HR practices that would support those employees who want to act more environmentally conscious? Many of these policies might even help you more effectively recruit and retain your employees.
In fact, according to the 2007 Corporate Environmental Behavior and the Impact on Brand Values survey, 81% of U.S. respondents said they would prefer to work for a company that has a good reputation for environmental responsibility.
Transportation
This, of course, is a big one. Many employees spend a lot of time and money driving their cars to work. Going Green means an employer coming up with HR policies that help employees find transportation alternatives. Taking cars off the road can certainly be more environmentally friendly. In addition, employees who leave their cars at home can save money and time and report having less stress than those commuting long hours stuck in traffic.
Federal law provides two ways that employers can offer employees a commute benefit with a payroll tax advantage. Employer-subsidized bus and rail passes are an easy way for an employer to promote alternative transportation. Another option is transportation passes purchased by the employee with pretax dollars under a Parking and Transportation Fringe Benefit Plan, otherwise known as a Section 132 Plan. A Section 132 Plan operates similarly to a Section 125 Plan (Flexible Spending Account). Under Section 132 Plans the IRS allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket work-related transportation and parking expenditures. Eligible expenses can be bus passes, parking at work, parking at a mass transit facility, vanpooling, commuter rail, ferry passes and the like.
Spandex anyone?
Companies can also support employees who are seeking alternative transportation by providing bike racks, lockers, showers and perhaps even modified dress code policies. A relaxed dress code can motivate employees to consider walking or riding their bikes to work. Allowing employees to wear comfortable walking shoes and athletic clothing and gear, may even lead an employee to embrace a more active and healthy lifestyle.
Flexible Work Schedules
Companies that support Flexible Work Schedules and Telecommuting are directly reducing the number of cars on the road. Some companies are even experimenting with a four day workweek where employees work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days. This can reduce the number of cars on the road by 20%! Plus, employees now have three days off every week instead of two. This can be seen as a huge benefit for some employees.
Eco-focused community service projects
Do you have employees who thrive on being involved in team projects? Eco-focused community service projects offer a chance to encourage teamwork and do something good for the environment. A company can commit to a clean up a section of the highway or participate in a tree planting project at a local park. Ecology based projects create a sense of accomplishment for the employee and have a positive impact on the environment.
In-house food and beverage
What happens at noon at your company? Are employees jumping in their cars and driving someplace for lunch? It’s true; some companies really do provide a daily on-site lunch to their employees. Of course, not every company can afford to do this. However, most employers can encourage people to eat in just by providing a few basic essentials. For example, provide a pleasant, clean, well lit lunch room. Have a good size refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave available. Stock cups, utensils, basic condiments and filtered water. If possible even consider providing healthy snacks, fruit and cold drinks throughout the day.
How about a Green HR Department?
Human Resource Departments tend to be paper intensive. Perhaps HR people themselves can set a better example and reduce their dependence on paper documents by using and storing documents electronically instead. New hire paperwork, time sheets, performance review forms, job descriptions, handbooks, benefit paperwork and personnel files can all be made available electronically.
Employer of Choice
If you want to be considered an Employer of Choice and be able to attract and retain quality employees you may want to consider “Going Green”. In a recent survey of the Society of Human Resource Management, 61% of respondents whose employers participated in practices friendly to the environment said that they are “very likely” or “likely” to stay at the organization because of their environmentally responsible programs.
If you need further assistance on this or any other Human Resource issue, call on Personnel Management Systems.
Personnel(ly) Speaking is a monthly comment on HR issues of importance. It is intended to provide general information and must not be construed as legal advice. Reproductions are allowed as long as credit for this information is given to PMSI. We welcome your comments, questions, and concerns. © PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC., Corporate Office (425) 576-1900, Colorado Office (720) 497-0200, www.hrpmsi.com.